Lynx frequently updates the firmware on the Aurora to provide new features, correct problems and to support new expansion products. It is advisable to check this website regularly for firmware updates. If you would like to see what changes were implemented in a firmware revision before updating, refer to the Aurora Firmware Release Notes / Revision History.

Aurora customers have two options available for updating to the latest firmware:

1) Customers may ship their Aurora to the Lynx factory for updating.
2) Customers may perform the update themselves.

If you wish to send your Aurora back to the factory for updating, please contact our Technical Support Department at (714) 545-4700 x 206 to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (R.M.A.) number.

If you prefer to program the Aurora yourself, you can do so by one of the following methods:

1) Windows PC via Lynx AES16 Audio Interface
2) Windows PC via MIDI or IrDA
3) OSX Macintosh via Lynx AES16 Audio Interface
4) OSX Macintosh via MIDI

Updating Aurora Firmware via Windows with an AES16

Before running the firmware updater, it is important to verify that you have the correct elements in place:

• A PC running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7.

• A correctly installed and functional AES16 card with Hardware Revision B or higher.

• AES16 Driver Version 2 Build 13l or above.

• The AES16 firmware revision that is compatible with the existing Aurora firmware revision.

• A CBL-AES1605 or equivalent cable to connect between the AES16 Port A and the Aurora AES I/O 1-8.

Here are the steps to successfully update your Aurora firmware with an AES16:

1) Connect the Aurora to the AES16 via the Lynx CBL-AES1605 cable.

Connect the 26-pin side to the AES16 Port A connector and the 25-pin side to the Aurora AES I/O 1-8 (Port A) Digital I/O connector. Note: you can also use the CBL-AES1604 connected to the CBL-DIGY85 as an alternative, in which case you would connect the Outs from the AES16 to the Ins on the Aurora and vice versa.

2) Determine the AES16 Hardware Revision.

Launch the Lynx Mixer (Start > Programs > Lynx Studio Technology > Lynx Mixer). Click: Mixer > About Lynx Mixer. Verify that the AES16 is displayed as Rev B. If your AES16 is a Rev A or Rev NC, replace with a Rev B unit or contact Lynx for a solution. Keep the "About Lynx Mixer" window open for steps 3-5, and refer to the graphic below for details.

3) Determine AES16 Driver version. Update if necessary.

From the "About Lynx Mixer" window, verify that the Lynx Mixer Version is 2.00 Build 013l, or above. If it is not, download the latest Version 2 driver from:
http://www.lynxstudio.com/support_downloads.asp

Uninstall the existing driver and install the current driver by following the uninstall/install instructions from the FAQ pages of the Lynx website: Support > Frequently Asked Questions > LynxTWO/L22 Getting Started/Installation > How do I…. >.

4) Determine the AES16 firmware revision.

From the "About Lynx Mixer" window, check the AES16 Firmware Rev. The AES16 firmware must be compatible with your current Aurora firmware for the Aurora updater to function. Details are in step 6.

5) Determine the Aurora firmware revision.

A) From the "About Lynx Mixer" window, check for an entry for the Aurora. If present, the Aurora firmware revision will be displayed.

B) If the Aurora is not present in the "About Lynx Mixer" window, there is a way to check from the Aurora front panel if the Aurora has revision 13 or above. Press the TRIM and POWER buttons at the same time with the power to the Aurora off. When you do this, one of three things will happen:

1) On an Aurora 8 or 16, the number one on the top row of LEDs flashes, and some other number on the bottom row flashes as well. These numbers can be combined to determine the firmware revision. For instance, 1 + 4 = Revision 14, 1 + 5 = Revision 15, etc.

2) On an Aurora 16 the number 13 in the meter display flashes , and on an Aurora 8 the number 7 flashes. This indicates that the Aurora has firmware revision 13.

3) No LEDs in the meter display flash. This indicates that the Aurora has firmware revision 12 or below.

6) Update the AES16 firmware if necessary.

Use the following guide to determine the appropriate AES16 firmware revision for your Aurora:

1. If the Aurora has firmware Revision 15 or higher and the AES16 has firmware Revision 23 or higher, you have the correct elements to update the Aurora.

2. If the Aurora has firmware Revision 15 or higher and the AES16 has firmware Revision 22 or below, then the Aurora firmware is up to date but the AES16 firmware is not. You must update the AES16 to Revision 23 so that the Aurora info will appear in the Lynx Mixer and the Aurora Remote Control software will work. Use: L2Update23.exe

3. If the Aurora has firmware Revision 10 - 14 and the AES16 has firmware Revision 22, you have the correct elements to update the Aurora.

4. If the Aurora has firmware Revision 10 - 14, and the AES16 has firmware Revision 23, or Revision 21 and below, program the AES16 with Revision 22. Use: L2Update21o.exe

5. If the Aurora has firmware Revision 8 and the AES16 has firmware Revision 22 or above, or 18 and below, program the AES16 with Revision 20. Use: L2Update20o.exe

6. If the Aurora has firmware Revision 8 and the AES16 has firmware Revision 20, you have the correct elements to update the Aurora.

7. If you cannot determine the Aurora firmware Revision and the AES16 has firmware Revision 23, or Revision 21 and below, update to Revision 22. Use: L2Update21o.exe

8. If you cannot determine the Aurora firmware Revision and the AES16 has firmware Revision 22, update to Revision 20. Use: L2Update20o.exe

After programming the AES16 with a compatible firmware revision, the Aurora serial number should appear in the Lynx Mixer > About Lynx Mixer window. If not, call Lynx Technical Support.

7) Run the current Aurora Updater.

Download the current Aurora Updater: AuroraUpdate20120730.exe

Close all open applications, and shut down background processes like anti-virus software. Double-click the file you just downloaded to launch the Aurora updater. When prompted, accept the default Destination Folder of C:\Lynx. When the Aurora Firmware Update dialog box appears, verify that the new firmware version differs from the current version. If so, click "Update".

8) Power Down the Aurora to complete the process.

When the firmware update process has completed, press the Power button to shut down the Aurora AND disconnect the Aurora from its power source. After 10 seconds, re-connect AC power and press the Power button to turn the unit back on.

9) Update AES16 firmware (if necessary).

If the AES16 has firmware other than Revision 23, it should be updated. Use: L2Update23.exe

PLEASE NOTE: If you have multiple Auroras connected to multiple AES16s, you may upgrade each of them by re-running the AuroraUpdate program, selecting the desired Aurora to upgrade by clicking on the "Select Unit to Update" dropdown, then clicking the "Update" button.

© Copyright 2005-2012, Lynx Studio Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Updating Aurora Firmware via Windows with MIDI or IrDA

Before running the firmware updater, it is important to verify that you have the correct elements in place:

• A PC running Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7.

• A correctly installed and functional MIDI Interface or MIDI ports on an audio interface, a correctly installed and functional LT-FW firewire adapter in the Aurora, OR a correctly installed and functional IrDA transceiver.
• An Aurora with Firmware Revision 13 or above ready to be programmed (LT-FW requires Firmware Revision 18 or above).

Here are the steps to successfully update your Aurora firmware via MIDI/IrDA:

1) Determine the Aurora firmware revision.

Aurora firmware revision 13 is required in order to run the Aurora Updater via MIDI or IrDA. It is possible to verify if your Aurora has a compatible firmware revision from the Aurora front panel. Press the TRIM and POWER buttons at the same time with the power to the Aurora off. When you do this, one of three things will happen:

1) On an Aurora 8 or 16, the number one on the top row of LEDs flashes, and some other number on the bottom row flashes as well. These numbers can be combined to determine the firmware revision. For instance, 1 + 4 = Revision 14, 1 + 5 = Revision 15, etc.

2) On an Aurora 16 the number 13 in the meter display flashes , and on an Aurora 8 the number 7 flashes. This indicates that the Aurora has firmware revision 13.

3) No LEDs in the meter display flash. This indicates that the Aurora has firmware revision 12 or below. This unit cannot be programmed via MIDI or IrDA. It can only be programmed via a Lynx AES16, or sent to the Lynx factory for programming.

2) Verify MIDI/IrDA functionality.

If using MIDI:

A) Make sure that the drivers are properly installed for the MIDI device connected to the PC.

B) Test the functionality of the interface with a MIDI keyboard or other MIDI device if possible.

C) Connect the MIDI Out from the MIDI Interface to the MIDI In on the Aurora with a standard MIDI cable. Then connect MIDI In from the MIDI Interface to the MIDI Out in the Aurora. It is critical that bi-directional communication is established. Make sure that the Aurora is turned ON.

If using an LT-FW:

A) Make sure that the drivers are properly installed for the LT-FW and it is connected to a functional firewire port on the computer.

B) Test the installation by launching the Aurora Remote Control software from the Lynx Studio Technology program group.

If using IrDA:

A) Make sure that the drivers are properly installed for the IrDA device connected to the PC.

B) Position the IrDA transceiver so that is is within 18" of the IR Port on the Aurora front panel. Make sure that the Aurora is turned ON.

C) With most IrDA devices, when a valid Infrared device is in range, a dialog box will identify the connected device (check your IrDA transceiver device documentation for specifics). In this case, the Aurora may be identified as an IR8250P or an Aurora. If this identification does not occur, alter the position of the transceiver, or clean the IR transceiver on the Aurora front panel.

3) Run the current Aurora Updater.

Download the current Aurora Updater: AuroraUpdate20120730.exe

Close all open applications, and shut down background processes like anti-virus software. Double-click the file you just downloaded to launch the Aurora updater. When prompted, accept the default Destination Folder of C:\Lynx. When the Aurora Firmware Update dialog box appears, verify that the new firmware version differs from the current version. If so, click "Update".

4) Power Down the Aurora to complete the process.

When the firmware update process has completed, press the Power button to shut down the Aurora AND disconnect the Aurora from its power source. After 10 seconds, re-connect AC power and press the Power button to turn the unit back on.

PLEASE NOTE: If you have multiple Auroras connected to multiple MIDI ports, you may upgrade each of them by re-running the AuroraUpdate program, selecting the desired Aurora to upgrade by clicking on the "Select Unit to Update" dropdown, then clicking the "Update" button.

© Copyright 2005-2012, Lynx Studio Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Updating Aurora Firmware via Macintosh OS X and AES16

Before running the firmware updater, it is important to verify that you have the correct elements in place:

• A Macintosh running OS X 10.4 or higher.

• A correctly installed and functional AES16(e) card with Hardware Revision B or higher.

• AES16 Driver Build 46 or higher.

• The AES16 firmware revision that is compatible with the existing Aurora firmware revision.

• A CBL-AES1605 or equivalent cable to connect between the AES16 Port A and the Aurora AES I/O 1-8.

Here are the steps to successfully update your Aurora firmware with an AES16:

1) Connect the Aurora to the AES16 via the Lynx CBL-AES1605 cable.

2) Determine the AES16 Hardware Revision.

In order to determine the AES16 Hardware Revision you will need to run the current AES16 OS X firmware updater, which can be downloaded from:
http://www.lynxstudio.com/support_download.asp

After downloading the updater, make sure that no other applications are open, then decompress and run the L2Update program. You'll be prompted to enter your OS X password in the "Authenticate" dialog box. After several moments, the "LynxTWO Firmware Update" dialog box will appear. Verify that the AES16 is displayed as PCB Revision B. If your AES16 is a Rev A or Rev NC, replace with a Rev B unit or contact Lynx for a solution. Keep the "LynxTWO Firmware Update" window open for step 4, and refer to the graphic below for details.

4) Determine the AES16 firmware revision.

From the "LynxTWO Firmware Update" window, check the AES16 Firmware Version. The AES16 firmware must be compatible with your current Aurora firmware for the Aurora updater to function. Details are in step 6.

5) Determine the Aurora firmware revision.

The Aurora can display the firmware revision it has been programmed with from the front panel if it has revision 13 or above. Press the TRIM and POWER buttons at the same time with the power to the Aurora off. When you do this, one of three things will happen:

1. On an Aurora 8 or 16, the number one on the top row of LEDs flashes, and some other number on the bottom row flashes as well. These numbers can be combined to determine the firmware revision. For instance, 1 + 4 = Revision 14, 1 + 5 = Revision 15, etc.

2. On an Aurora 16 the number 13 in the meter display flashes , and on an Aurora 8 the number 7 flashes. This indicates that the Aurora has firmware revision 13.

3. No LEDs in the meter display flash. This indicates that the Aurora has firmware revision 12 or below.

6) Update the AES16 firmware if necessary.

Use the following guide to determine the appropriate AES16 firmware revision for your Aurora:

1. If the Aurora has firmware Revision 15 or higher and the AES16 has firmware Revision 23 or higher, you have the correct elements to update the Aurora.

2. If the Aurora has firmware Revision 15 or higher and the AES16 has firmware Revision 22 or below, program the AES16 with Revision 25. Use: L2UpdateX23a.zip

3. If the Aurora has firmware Revision 10 - 14 and the AES16 has firmware Revision 22, you have the correct elements to update the Aurora.

4. If the Aurora has firmware Revision 14 and below, or if you cannot determine its firmware revision and the AES16 has firmware Revision 23, or Revision 21 and below, program the AES16 with Revision 22. Use: L2UpdateX21b.zip
   
   Note: If the existing firmware version is 23 or above, you will have to "force" an older version on the card. After you click "Update" at the Firmware Update screen, an error message will appear onscreen reporting that "The firmware on your card is already up to date!". Click "Cancel". Another dialog box will appear reporting "About to program your Lynx AES16 with Firmware Version 22". Click "OK" to program.

5. If your Aurora has firmware revision 8 (the first shipping firmware release), please contact Lynx technical support for assistance.

After programming the AES16, shut down the computer when prompted. Restart after 10 seconds.

7) Run the current Aurora Firmware Update Application.

Download the current Aurora Firmware Update Application: AuroraUpdateX20120730.zip

Please note, this firmware updater requires Build 52 or higher of the AES16e driver.

Close all open applications, and shut down background processes like anti-virus software. Once the download is complete, unzip the file and then double click the AuroraUpdate file. When the Aurora Firmware Update dialog box appears, verify that the new firmware version differs from the current version. If so, click "Update".

8) Power Down the Aurora to complete the process.

When the firmware update process has completed, press the Power button to shut down the Aurora AND disconnect the Aurora from its power source. After 10 seconds, re-connect AC power and press the Power button to turn the unit back on.

9) Update AES16 firmware to the latest release (if necessary).

If the AES16 has firmware other than Revision 25, it should be updated. Use: L2UpdateX23a.zip

PLEASE NOTE: If you have multiple Auroras connected to multiple AES16s, you may upgrade each of them by re-running the AuroraUpdate program, selecting the desired Aurora to upgrade by clicking on the "Select Unit to Update" dropdown, then clicking the "Update" button.

Updating Aurora Firmware via Macintosh OS X and MIDI

Firmware for Aurora 16™/Aurora 8™

Copyright © 2005-2012 Lynx Studio Technology, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Revision History / Release Notes

.

Installation Notes

The firmware update process will take under 1 minute using an AES16, and under 10 minutes using IrDA or MIDI. Once the update has been done successfully, your Aurora will need to have the power removed (unplugged) for the new firmware to become active. Please follow the Aurora Firmware Update Instructions for the step-by-step procedure.

If for some reason the firmware update process fails, the current firmware in the Aurora will remain active. You may reboot your computer and re-run the update program to try again.

PLEASE NOTE: If you currently have Version 8 Firmware on your Aurora, the AES16 Firmware MUST be Version 20 before you attempt to upgrade the firmware on the Aurora. Once you have upgraded the firmware on your Aurora to the latest version, you may then upgrade the firmware on the AES16 to the latest version. If you currently have Version 10 through Version 14 Firmware on your Aurora, the AES16 Firmware MUST be Version 22 or higher before you attempt to upgrade the firmware on the Aurora.

PLEASE NOTE: If you currently have Version 10 through Version 14 Firmware in your Aurora, the AES16 Firmware MUST be Version 22 before you attempt to upgrade the firmware to Version 15 or higher on the Aurora. Once you have upgraded the firmware on your Aurora to the latest version, you may then upgrade the firmware on the AES16 to the latest version.

Firmware Revision History

Build 2012.07.30 July 30, 2012

• No changes to Aurora firmware since last release.
• This revision includes:
  Aurora 8: 27
  Aurora 16: 27
  LT-HD: 10
  LT-MADI: 6
  LT-USB: 9
  
  LT-HD Firmware Version 10 Revision History
• Changed how sample rate and sync source changes are handled to support Native and HDX host cards.
• Emulates HD I/O functionality and delay compensation.
• Front panel does not lock out.
• No longer supports daisy chaining at 192kHz.
• No longer supports cable lengths longer than 12 feet.
   
  LT-USB Firmware Version 9 Revision History
• Improved timing on startup for more accurate enumeration.

Build 2012.04.13 April 13, 2012

• Add support for updating the LT-USB firmware.
• Enabled high-speed UART mode for communicating with the LT-USB at faster speeds. Please see note below.
• This revision includes:
  Aurora 8: 27
  Aurora 16: 27
  LT-HD: 7
  LT-MADI: 6
  LT-USB: 8
  
  LT-USB Firmware Version 8 Revision History
  
• LT-USB now changes the USB PID (product identification) based on the the specific device it is installed in. This means the Aurora 8, Aurora 16 and Hilo now show as independent devices instead of just "LT-USB".
• LT-USB enabled high-speed UART mode for communicating with the Aurora at faster speeds. Please Note: This requires Build 27 of Aurora firmware to function. You must upgrade the Aurora to Build 27 before upgrading the LT-USB firmware to revision 8.
• LT-USB now includes serial number as part of the device identification block. This allows multiple LT-USB devices to be connected to a single computer. Please Note: This currently allows OS X to aggregate multiple LT-USB devices together, however the Windows driver does not support aggregating devices for the ASIO driver.
• LT-USB now properly shows the power requirements, which allows the Apple iPad (and similar devices) to stream audio directly without a computer connection.

Build 2011.12.30 December 30, 2011

• This revision includes:
  Aurora 8: 25
  Aurora 16: 25
  LT-HD: 7
  LT-MADI: 6
  
  LT-MADI Firmware Version 6 Revision History
  
• Corrected issue with LT-MADI where parity was not being calculated correctly. This caused some MADI devices to mark the MADI stream as "unhealthy".

Build 2011.07.07 July 7, 2011

• Added LSlot Mux for controlling signal routing to LT-USB.
• This revision includes:
  Aurora 8: 25
  Aurora 16: 25
  LT-HD: 7
  LT-MADI: 4

Build 2009.09.03 Sep 3, 2009

• Add support for LT-MADI.
• Test mode is always turned off when going into standby if an LT-ADAT or LSEXT kit is NOT installed.
• This revision includes:
  Aurora 8: 24
  Aurora 16: 24
  LT-HD: 7
  LT-MADI: 4

LT-MADI Firmware Version 4 Revision History

• First release.

Build 2008.12.08 Dec 8, 2008

• Fixed issue where word clock output was not working for 176.4kHz or 192kHz sample rates with the output rate set to base rate in Pro Tools.
• Changed default channel mode to 32-channels which is pertinent to LT-HD.
• This revision includes:
  Aurora 8: 23
  Aurora 16: 23
  LT-HD: 7

LT-HD Firmware Version 7 Revision History

• Forced reset of word clock out rate to the Sample Rate (not base rate) when Pro Tools is not running.

Build 2008.10.22 Oct 22, 2008

• Fixed LT-HD programming issue introduced with Firmware Version 18.
• Added support for /VT model of Aurora.
• This revision includes:
  Aurora 8: 22
  Aurora 16: 22
  LT-HD: 6

LT-HD Firmware Version 6 Revision History

• Increased maximum cable length to at least 50 feet.
• Fixed issue where Aurora was occasionally not recognized when PT launched.
• Fixed issue where SynchroLock changed state when PT launched.
• Added full loop-sync compatibility. The word clock out rate must be left in the base rate setting which is the default mode.
• Added complete mirrored output functionality.
• Fixed trim LED display problem.

Version 18a April 18, 2008

• Fixed Aurora 8 overload LED offset.
• Fixed SynchroLock timing issue in Aurora 8 only.
• This revision includes:
  Aurora 8: 21
  Aurora 16: 18

Version 18 June 11, 2007

• Added support for LT-FW.
• Added Extended Monitor Mixing that supports mixing up to 18 sources on analog outputs 1 – 4.
• Added true overload detection for all inputs and outputs. Detection of three consecutive full-scale samples or an output mixer overrun generate an overload indication that is sustained for 250ms.
• Added internal temperature status register transmission.
• Added non-volatile internal counters for firmware programming and setting storage.
• Added detection of trim option 1824 hardware for ARC.
• Added front panel horizontal bar graph display for outputs 1 – 4, digital or analog as selected by meter switch. Holding the METER switch for 500ms enables this mode.
• This revision includes:
  Aurora 8: 18
  Aurora 16: 18

Version 17 April 20, 2007

• Internal Release Only.

Version 16 September 19, 2006

• Modified LSlot port to alleviate LSlot clocking errors seen on some units.

Version 15 September 11, 2006

• Fixed problem with firmware update via IrDA.
• Added new LSlot register transmission for AES16 link to enable LT-HD firmware upgrade via AES16. This change requires Version 23 of AES16(-SRC) firmware.
  PLEASE NOTE: You must upgrade to Version 15 of the Aurora firmware BEFORE you upgrade to Version 23 of the AES16(-SRC) firmware.

Version 14 August 21, 2006

• Added support for LT-HD.
• Added the ability to disable SynchroLock from the front panel. SynchroLock may now be enabled/disabled by pressing and holding the SYNC SOURCE button for 1/2 second.
• Added front panel LT-HD 16/32 channel select. Press and hold the "TO ANALOG OUT" button to toggle, front panel flashes to acknowledge.
• Changed firmware version indication LED's in test mode. Input LED's represent "tens" digit and output LED's represent "ones" digit. This is now consistent for the Aurora 8 and Aurora 16.
• Temporarily disabled firmware update via IrDA.

Version 13 December 12, 2005

• Added full IrDA and MIDI support - remote control and remote firmware update.
• Added support for LynxTWO/Aurora Interface Kit.
• Added firmware version indication LED's in test mode. Input LED 13 will illuminate solid on the Aurora 16, and input LED 7 will illuminate solid on the Aurora 8. Entering test mode is accomplished by pressing and holding the TRIM switch then quickly pressing the POWER switch. Exiting test mode is accomplished by powering off the Aurora.

Version 12 October 4, 2005

• Added initial IrDA support (no IrDA firmware update).

Version 11 September 17, 2005

• Fixed spurious noise on multiple channels when trim changed remotely on four channels.
• Added support for LT-ADAT
• Added ability to change power-up mode to either on or stand-by. This mode is toggled by holding the standby switch while power is applied. PLEASE NOTE: After the mode is changed the unit must be put into standby mode to save this setting before power is removed.
• Added the ability to restore factory defaults. This function is selected by holding the sample rate switch while power is applied. PLEASE NOTE: After defaults are restored the unit must be put into standby mode to save this setting before power is removed.
• Added delay to standby switch. In order to select standby mode from on mode the standby switch must be held for at least 500ms. There is no delay going from standby to on.
• Fixed bug that occasionally prevented the D/A's from being set up correctly when the sample rate was changed.
• Forced internal as the clock source if an invalid external source is selected. The Internal Sync Source LED is illuminated when this occurs.

Version 10 July 19, 2005

• Added PMIX support.
• Modified communication method between Aurora and AES16(-SRC) Rev B cards to improve reliability. Aurora remote control will now only function with Version 22 (or higher) Firmware on AES16(-SRC).

Version 9 July 13, 2005

• Temporarily removed support for AES16 remote control.

Version 8 April 26, 2005

• Initial Release.

-end-